Once part of the middle class, Georgiana's life crumbled along with the bankruptcy of her family. Her father, having accumulated a huge gambling debt, left behind only a letter stating he was heading to the New World before disappearing. Georgiana, just barely an adult, was left with an enormous debt, a gambling-addicted brother, and a selfish mother.... more>>

One day, as she lived in constant fear of being sold by her family for money, her brother accrued another debt and sold her as a nude model to a suspicious man. The man she met through this unfortunate event made her a dangerous proposal: to become his fake wife.

***

"I heard you say you'd repay the favor you owe me yesterday, is that correct?"

"Yes, that's right."

After her compliant response, he paused briefly before replying in a low voice, "Then, may I collect that debt in my own way?"

With those words, he swiftly removed his vest and shirt. Georgiana's mouth fell open as she watched him become half-naked in an instant. She had anticipated his muscular physique from his exposed arms and veins while he was painting, but his bare torso was even more impressive.

His broad shoulders and the wide chest beneath them were covered in taut muscles, leaving no part of him that wasn't firm. Especially his abs, which were sharply defined and sculpted, seemed impenetrable by any weapon. As she stared in a daze, forgetting to look away, he approached her and leaned down as if seeking permission.

"If you're uncomfortable with this, you can always say so. This is the price of your promise." <<less

Despite being praised as the "Goddess of the Sword" for her exceptional swordsmanship, her position was nothing more than a "dog" of the imperial family. The titles that followed Bellona were miserable: the imperial family's loyal dog, the Empress's hound, and the Crown Prince's mistress.... more>>

Nevertheless, to carry out the final order given by the imperial family, Bellona eventually killed the exiled and ill-fated grand duke, Caelus. But what awaited her was betrayal and death at the hands of the imperial family.

Returning to the past, five years earlier, Bellona is determined to take revenge on the imperial family who ruined her life. Yet, the man she killed with her own hands appears before her, unbroken and whole.

"I will become your loyal dog. If you refuse, I will take the Crown Prince’s hand."

"It seems I have misjudged you. I never imagined you possessed the audacity to believe a mere dog could choose its master."

Her plan had completely fallen apart. <<less

Jared L. Windburg... more>>

The 13th Duke of Windburg, known as the “King of the North,” and heir to thirteen titles.

Master of the grand Maxville Estate, an ancestral home with 800 years of history.

A man who had failed spectacularly in his first love.

“I am considering hosting a ball.”

Faced with the unavoidable duty of producing an heir, the Duke of Windburg decides to hold a ball to select a duchess.

He chooses Roselyn Eleanor Fairfield, the eldest daughter of a viscount.

“Expect nothing. That way, you won’t be disappointed.”

Thus begins a marriage bound by duty.

Tuesday nights become the designated time for their sole obligation: to produce an heir.

As the weeks pass, the Duke, who views it merely as a duty, and the Duchess, who dutifully plays her part, find their lives increasingly entwined with these Tuesday nights. <<less

I could understand possessing the villainess in a novel. One could run away in the middle or suddenly pretend to be nice to change the story.... more>>

But could a villainess, who was only left at the end and was imprinted, escape?

***

The moment I touched Theodore’s body, my hand flinched as if shocked by electricity. However, I hid my hand, pretending nothing happened.

“You are mistaken. Go to your guide before the misunderstanding deepens.”

How could an imprint forcibly made by magic be a true imprint? This was a relationship that would disappear the moment Theodore found his true guide. No, it had to be that way.

“When should I stop pretending not to know?”

Theodore’s sneer interrupted Eleia’s thoughts.

“Hmm? Until when should I keep being deceived, Eleia?”

He whispered more deeply than ever with eyes full of ecstasy.

“You have to take responsibility for me.”

Because you are my guide. <<less

The Duke of Lancaster who sought independence from the empire!... more>>

Toppled by the Emperor’s suppression,the young and beautiful Duchess Ethel Lancaster falls as spoils of war.

Standing before the nobles who, not long ago, bowed their heads to her like a s*ave!

Regardless of who takes possession, it is certain that she will become a target for exploitation….

The Emperor seeks consent from a man of humble origin.

From the mercenary Count, Rasto Christceros.

“Rasto, do you not need a woman?”

“Well, I do lack a maid at home.”

Rasto’s response captivates the Emperor, who wanted to set an example for the nobles.

***

Ethel, now a ‘possession’ of Rasto, contemplates ending her life before suffering disgrace, but Rasto orders her to work as a maid.

However, in the eyes of the once perfect Duchess, Count Christceros seems terribly lacking.

From the dreary interior of the mansion, cheap decorations, indifferent servants, to the groveling maids acting like those in power….

‘Is revealing this going too far, or is it a crucial point?’

The highly experienced novice maid, Ethel, begins to gradually change Count Christceros.

Including the master of the house, Rasto Christceros. <<less

“Let’s divorce.”... more>>

Her husband’s declaration came without warning. When she demanded how he could make such a sudden decision, resentment lacing her voice, Calix, who had been silently listening, finally spoke.

“How much longer do you expect me to live with the hollow shell that is Evelyn?”

He had discovered her secret.

***

“I’ll leave.”

Yes, she had no right to stay. She wasn’t Evelyn. She was an imposter inhabiting Evelyn’s body.

“But give me three months. Just until the divorce reflection period is over.”

“Why? Why are you so desperate to stay?”

She couldn’t leave—not yet.

“Tell me, then. What reason do you have to stay by my side?”

According to what she knew, Calix would die in three months. If she couldn’t stop her heart from falling for him, then at the very least, she wanted to save him before she left.

And Calix was no different.

“Three months? I won’t last that long.”

She, so pure and kind it almost seemed naïve, so blindly devoted it bordered on foolishness, could never know the truth— not about what was to come, nor the feelings that had already begun to stir. <<less